University System News:
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
CSU cutting budget, enacting ‘hiring chill’ after enrollment decline. What happens next?
By Mark Rice
It’s a basic math problem for colleges: Having fewer students enrolled equals having less money to educate them — and Columbus State University is among those dealing with the more complicated results. CSU leaders are seeking “creative” ways to cut a combined $3 million from this year’s and next year’s budget while also trying to reverse two straight years of enrollment declines. A “hiring chill” is one cost-saving measure that already has been to put in place, CSU president Chris Markwood told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Statesboro Herald
Statewide growth concentrated at a few universities
Al Hackle/Staff
Georgia Southern University has slowed, but not yet reversed, its enrollment decline. The total headcount of 26,054 students this fall is 1.3% fewer students than the fall 2018 enrollment of 26,408.
Savannah Morning News
Digital Talkback: Reader insights on college enrollment declines
By Ann Meyer
Georgia Southern University President Kyle Marrero, shown above at a fall convocation, is leading the university in a plan to increase enrollment. The university’s overall enrollment declined about 1% this fall from the prior year. At the Armstrong campus, enrollment fell 6% from a year ago.
On the reasons for enrollment declines at four-year colleges, including Georgia Southern University and Savannah State University
“Because people are tired of drowning in debt for useless degrees that get no jobs.” — catskillgardener_88 on Instagram
“College prices are predatory. Nobody should have to go $50,000-plus in debt to learn.” — thejessicaam on Instagram
“The market is oversaturated with college grads which lowers the value of a degree.” — hxc88pat on Instagram
“Because it puts you in debt for the rest of your life!” — acatherineb on Instagram
Macon Telegraph
Dublin ribs named best in state by Food Network, awards and more in this week’s Shout Out
By Justin Baxley
…MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE RECEIVES RECOGNITION, ENROLLMENT GROWTH
Middle Georgia State University received a gold seal at the 2019 ALL IN Challenge Awards ceremony in recognition for growth in student voting rates, according to a release. In 2018, 48 percent of Middle Georgia students voted in 2018, a 25 point increase from the 2014 midterm and gubernatorial election. Middle Georgia State University also posted the third-highest percentage increase in enrollment within the University System of Georgia with a 3.4 percent overall enrollment gain, according to a release from the school.
Middle Georgia CEO
Middle Georgia State University to Launch B.A. in Applied Art & Design
Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is adding a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Art & Design following approval by the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The program is a professionally focused degree created to serve Georgia’s growing art, entertainment, and recreation industry. MGA already offers an associate’s degree in art – a holdover from the University’s days as a state college – that the new bachelor’s degree will build upon. MGA expects to launch the degree in fall 2020.
Middle Georgia CEO
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work Coming to Middle Georgia State University
A Bachelor of Science in Social Work – a program that many current and prospective students have long asked for – is coming to Middle Georgia State University (MGA). The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents approved the degree on Tuesday, Nov. 12. MGA expects to roll out the program in fall 2020.
Augusta CEO
MCG Receives Approval for Major MD Curriculum Redesign
Staff Report
The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University has received approval from its accrediting body, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, to officially begin the process of redesigning its four-year core MD curriculum to three years. The redesign, which should be completed in time for the 2021-22 academic year, paves the way for a more career-tailored fourth year, MCG officials say, with options to enter a primary care residency, spend time honing clinical and research skills or complete a dual degree.
WJBF
Local economic impact of 2 factory shutdowns
by: Ashley Osborne
Certain companies in our area are booming, while others are struggling. Recently, we have told you about an increase of jobs in our area, many of them in the cyber industry. However, this week, we learned hundreds of factory jobs will go. This week, 2 local factories announced that they are closing. General Electric Grid Solutions in Waynesboro employs about 200 people. The company says it will close the Burke County facility next year. Resolute Forest Products, a newsprint manufacturer in Augusta told its 160 employs that it will stop operations also. Augusta University economics professor Dr. Simon Medcalfe shares how the closures of GE and Resolute Forest products will affect the Augusta area economy.
Gwinnett Daily Post
GGC hosting symposium on Central American, Mexican immigration
By Curt Yeomans
Scholars and the head of a local Latino group will come together at Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville this week to discuss immigration in the U.S., Mexico and Central America. The college announced it will hold an immigration symposium from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Monday in the Heritage Room at the Daniel J. Kaufman Library and Learning Center on GGC’s main campus. The event is part of the school’s observance of International Education Week.
WALB
ABAC students prepare to feed families in need with Manna Drop
By Darran Todd
While many students will be preparing for their mid-term exams, one southwest Georgia college will be spending their time giving back. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) will host its annual Manna Drop to feed families in South Tifton. Manna Drop is made up of students who will give back to families in need this holiday season. Landon Rowe said he has participated in the fundraiser before and enjoys helping others over the years.
The Red & Black
UGA completion rates are on the rise
Jacqueline GaNun | Contributor
Traditionally, a bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete, but this isn’t always the case for some college students. Although graduation rates are on the rise, many students at the University of Georgia take longer than four years to graduate. According to UGA Today, UGA’s four-year completion rate as of October 2019 is 69%. The university’s six-year completion rate is 87%, its highest ever. For comparison, the average six-year completion rate for UGA’s peer institutions is 79%, while the average four-year completion rate is 56%.
The Times-Georgian
Preparing students for a global community
By Colton Campbell
Diversity and inclusion are not merely buzzwords at the University of West Georgia. Rather, they are foundational values that guide the efforts of faculty, staff and students across the institution.
The Gainesville Times
Layne Saliba
When Li-Hung Chang had the opportunity to earn a college degree at the University of North Georgia, he jumped at the chance. Well, he really flew.
Savannah CEO
Georgia Southern Hires New Director of EAGLE Academy
Staff Report
Julie Pickens, Ph.D., is the new director of the EAGLE Academy, the Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program at Georgia Southern University. …EAGLE Academy, named for its commitment to Equal Access to Gainful Learning and Employment, is a comprehensive transitional program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Unique to most programs of their kind, Georgia Southern EAGLE Academy students are given a custom-built academic program based on their interests, giving the students the same opportunity that others on campus have to take courses for credit and work toward their career goals.
Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
John Morrow Is the First African American to Win Prestigious Award for Military Writing
John H. Morrow, Jr., professor of history at the University of Georgia, is the 13th recipient of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing. The Pritzker Literature Award — which includes a gold medallion, citation, and $100,000 honorarium — recognizes and honors the contributions of a living author for a body of work dedicated to enriching the understanding of military history and affairs. Professor Morrow received the award at a ceremony in Chicago earlier this month. He is the first African American to receive the award.
The Augusta Chronicle
Survivors learn about life after cancer
By Amanda King
…As Rumph learned more about what to expect after surviving the disease, she developed the Cancer Care Ministry at Good Shepherd Baptist Church. The ministry educates the church and community about cancer prevention and support groups for people with cancer and survivors. “There are a lot of things we can’t do now, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop living,” Rumph said. On Saturday, the ministry partnered with Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University for its first symposium to give resources and information to those who are battling or who have battled any type of cancer.
Statesboro Herald
One arrested, one sought on fight charges
Georgia Southern police investigating incident
Holli Deal Saxon/staff
One Georgia Southern University student was jailed and warrants were issued for another for fighting after a long-brewing dispute came to blows.
The Augusta Chronicle
Salvation Army kicks off Red Kettle campaign in Augusta
By Jozsef Papp
The Salvation Army’s 2019 Red Kettle campaign means a lot to one of its officers, Lt. Trevon King. “I was one of those kids. The Salvation Army sort of gave me hope around this time and it lifted the burden off of my parents,” King said. “They didn’t have the money to provide. Unfortunately, that’s how a lot of parents are around the area. They just don’t have what they need.” …He said every donation helps, regardless of how small it is. “I tell people all the time, your change can bring change to somebody else life,” McClure said. “It only takes $1.25 to feed one person in our Center of Hope, so $5 will feed four people.” Alumni groups from the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University, along with a group of students from Augusta University, encouraged shoppers to donate to their team’s kettle in an attempt to win the Red Kettle Kickoff Trophy. Ed Lake has been representing UGA since the campaign began nine years ago in Augusta. He said it feels good to give back to those in need. …Rachel Rhodes-Dyar, a Georgia Southern team member, said the event is a great way to bring alumni together and have a good time helping the community. She has been involved with the program since it began. …They both wished more alumni groups from different universities, such as Georgia Tech, Clemson or South Carolina, would get involved and help raise more money.
Albany Herald
Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority joins ABAC community
From staff reports
Thirty-four women have become the founding members of the Iota Kappa chapter of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Alpha Sigma Alpha is a social sorority that was founded in 1901. Its purpose is to “Foster close friendships between members and to develop women of poise and purpose.”
Online News Guru
Ultrasound Market Evenly Poised To Reach A Market Value Of US$ By 2017 – 2025
..Global Ultrasound Market: Market Potential
Augusta University is working on developing a 3D ultrasound machine to not just support their research but also to aid conclusive diagnoses of concussions and other injuries to the head. This machine will be designed, specifically for sports injuries. The team received a handsome grant to develop a chip that will be incorporated in the conventional transducer to make it a 3D transducer. This machine will be relatively cheaper than the currently available 3D and 4D ultrasound solutions. Such initiatives by leading players and other research institutes will create a positive atmosphere for the growth of the global ultrasound market.
13WMAZ
Free WiFi launches this week in downtown Macon
You can use the WiFi for free along Poplar Street between Rosa Parks Square and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Author: Wanya Reese
Starting Monday you can ditch your spotty connection and link up to free WiFi in downtown Macon. It’s all thanks to nearly $40,000 from a Downtown Challenge Grant. You can post on Instagram, send a tweet, or even check your email. County leaders hope this public-private partnership connects people who live in downtown Macon and visitors to everything happening online. “Yeah shoot, I wouldn’t mind finding new music, and stuff with all that,” Kahlil Lundy said. Lundy is already making plans to use Macon’s free WiFi. …”WiFi Macon is an exciting, collaborative, community project,” Kevin Floyd with Middle Georgia State University said. He says their school of computing partnered with Macon-Bibb County and Cox Business.
Athens CEO
Mark Spain Real Estate Included in UGA Alumni Association’s Bulldog 100 List
Staff Report
Mark Spain Real Estate, based in Alpharetta, Ga., is included in the University of Georgia Alumni Association’s 2020 Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. More than 533 nominations were submitted for the 2020 list.
WTOC
UGA Skidaway scientist prepares for Arctic expedition
By Andrew Gorton
A scientist from the UGA Skidaway Institute is preparing for a trip to the Arctic to participate in the MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) research expedition. Post-doctoral research associate, Chris Marsay will begin his journey from Savannah to Norway in January where he will then board an ice-breaking vessel in route to the Arctic. Once there, Marsay will collect samples and monitor the atmospheric deposition of aerosols in in the air, snow, ocean and sea ice.
Albany Herald
Georgia Southwestern mascot, Surge, celebrates 10th birthday
From Staff Reports
Georgia Southwestern State University’s mascot, Surge, celebrated his 10th birthday on Saturday. First introduced in 2009, Surge has been a staple at numerous campus and athletic events ever since. Surge made his first appearance at a home women’s basketball game in November 2009. Although Georgia Southwestern had other mascots before, Surge was specifically created to serve as a symbol for the GSW Hurricanes and the university as a whole.
Higher Education News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia 2020: Buttigieg to unveil affordable college plan in Atlanta
By Greg Bluestein
White House hopeful Pete Buttigieg is set to unveil a proposal Monday in Atlanta that would funnel $500 billion into programs designed to make college more affordable for working class and middle-income families. Buttigieg’s proposal would eliminate public tuition for roughly 7 million students who are eligible for federal Pell Grants, and add $120 billion to increase the size of the maximum grant award by $1,000 to help cover costs of housing and food.
Inside Higher Ed
The vast majority of college students today work, but their motivations and experiences vary widely based on demographics.
By Madeline St. Amour
Most college students are working as they study, but the amount and type of work varies widely. And the forces behind those variances aren’t random. Low-income working students tend to work longer hours than their high-income counterparts. They also are more likely to be black or Latinx, older and female, according to a 2018 report from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University. “To me, it boils down to the story of how higher ed is compounding social inequity,” said Lindsay Ahlman, associate director of research at the Institute for College Access and Success. The Georgetown report found that 70 percent of full-time college students are working. While more students are working, the number working full-time has decreased, from 40 percent in the late 1980s to 26 percent in 2012.
Inside Higher Ed
Number of Enrolled International Students Drops
“Open Doors” survey finds declines in total numbers of enrolled international students in 2018-19 and continuing declines in new enrollments, though the latter declines are less sharp than in prior two years.
By Elizabeth Redden
The number of enrolled international students at American colleges and universities decreased at all academic levels — undergraduate, graduate and nondegree — in the 2018-19 academic year, according to new data from the “Open Doors” report. The number of international undergraduate students declined by 2.4 percent, the number of international graduate students declined by 1.3 percent and the number of international nondegree students declined by 5 percent. Despite these drops, the total number of international students in the U.S. actually increased slightly, by 0.05 percent, due to a 9.6 percent increase in the number of international students participating in optional practical training, a program that allows international students to stay in the U.S. to work for up to three years after graduating while staying on their student visas.
Inside Higher Ed
Study Abroad Numbers Continue Steady Increase
The number of Americans studying abroad increased by 2.7 percent in 2017-18 compared to the previous academic year, according to annual “Open Doors” report.
By Elizabeth Redden
A total of 341,751 students studied abroad for credit in 2017-18, representing a 2.7 percent increase from the previous academic year, according to the annual “Open Doors” report, published by the Institute of International Education with funding from the U.S. Department of State. The number of students studying abroad has grown steadily over the last 25 years. IIE estimates that about 10.9 percent of all undergraduates (including community college students), and 16 percent of all students enrolled in baccalaureate programs, study abroad at some point during their degree program.